DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford predicts that in-car sensors will be the next big thing in vehicles.

Biometric sensors will measure the stress level of the driver and help to personalize driver-assist technologies, the automaker said.

The 2013 Ford Fusion previews the future, with 74 sensors that “can monitor the perimeter around the car and see into places that are not readily visible from the driver’s seat,” Ford said.

“Fusion features an unprecedented level of sensors for its driver-assist technologies,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford’s chief technical officer, in a statement.

Ford said it is researching the use of real-time sensor data — both radar and camera-based — that can help to evaluate external factors affecting driver attention, such as traffic congestion. The real-time sensor data can cut potential distractions, such as an incoming phone call.

Ford researchers are also looking at ways to predict driver behavior to “help optimize and configure vehicle controls for improved performance such as better energy management,” the automaker said.

The automaker is also experimenting with “advanced machine learning.” This technology is previewed in EV+, a feature found in the 2013 Ford Fusion and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrids. It “learns” typical locations of charging and then “automatically maximizes electric-only driving mode when nearing those locations,” the automaker noted.

Although “sport” is right there in the term “sport-utility vehicle,” those vehicles’ inherently heavy weights, higher centers of gravity, and blocky shapes usually preclude sports-car fun, no matter how much power you shoehorn under the hood. Most SUVs are little more than shuttle buses, a task for which they are well-suited.

Still, there are some loons who want their family hauler to haul ass—witness the chariots of lunacy in our most recent hot-rod SUV comparo. To tap this market, Ford has just introduced the Explorer Sport.

In a nutshell, the Explorer Sport is simply an Explorer fitted with the Taurus SHO’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, that makes 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Hit the throttle, and it’s pretty clear this is not your usual seven-seat Ford—it rockets up to 80 mph before the acceleration starts to tail off. Zero to 60 times fall from about eight seconds for the naturally aspirated V-6 Explorer to around six in the Sport.

The powertrain is quiet and very smooth. Only at low speeds do you hear much engine noise, and what you do hear sounds angry enough for a family vehicle. To handle the elevated engine torque, the Explorer Sport only comes with all-wheel drive and Ford’s system allocates the power as needed to maximize traction. Even so, a full-throttle launch reveals traces of torque steer, although this disappears once the transmission shifts into second gear.

DEARBORN, Mich., April 26, 2012, – The all-new supercharged 5.8-liter powerplant in the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has been officially SAE-certified as the most powerful series production V8 in the world with peak output of 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s more power and torque than low volume sports cars costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the GT500, which is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment. In fact the 2013 GT500 is the most fuel-efficient car with over 550 horsepower in any segment available in America.

Unlike high-strung engines found in much more expensive exotic supercars, the GT500 engine generates its massive thrust throughout its operating range with 395 lb.-ft. of torque available just off idle at 1,000 rpm. More than 90 percent of the peak torque is available from 2,200 to 5,800 rpm so that no matter when you squeeze the go pedal, the GT500 will just get up and run.

The combination of the new TVS 2.3-liter supercharger, twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder ensures this stallion can breathe all the way to 7,000 rpm with the peak power production coming at 6,500 rpm and holding fairly steady right to the rev limit.

“Our goal is to create outstanding all-around performance cars, not just stoplight-to-stoplight sprinters,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “We’ve backed up this amazing powerplant with a more refined chassis tuning that helps keep the rubber on the pavement without punishing the driver’s spine and six-pot Brembo brakes that dissipate speed with ease stop after stop.”

The broad, flat torque curve of the GT500 engine makes it tractable and easy to drive whether trolling along in traffic or powering out of a turn on a twisting country road. With more than enough grunt to push the coupe to 200 mph and beyond, the chassis has been tuned to absorb the road imperfections that can cause instability at high speeds. The revised front fascia and splitter help manage the flow of air around and under the GT500 so that it offers 33 percent more effective aero loading at 160 mph compared to the 2011 model and feels more firmly planted.

The 2013 Ford Explorer, with its dramatic looks and somewhat less inspiring performance, has been due a truly potent version, some might say, since the V-8 of the last model died with it. AsFord’s solution to the V-8 power requirement while delivering (slightly) better fuel economy, the V-6 EcoBoost engine makes good sense.

But does it make sense in the Explorer? Dynamically, it’s uninspiring–particularly when compared to the likes of the Flex, or even the Edge. But more power means more towing, better highway passing, and more overall flexibility, as well as more money at the pump–the Explorer Sport only yields 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Ford says it’s the most efficient high-performance SUV on the market.

Those with an eye to minimizing the Explorer’s thirst already have a good option, however: the smaller EcoBoost brother, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Rated at 28 mpg highway, that smaller EcoBoost engine is on the very efficient end of the spectrum for conventional crossover SUVs.

The larger direct-injection 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 won’t deliver such friendly figures, but those with a taste for power will find the tradeoff sweet: 350 horsepower in place of 240. Driving all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, it’s basically an Explorer SHO–especially since the Explorer and Taurus share some of their architecture as well. It’s two full seconds quicker to 60 mph than the fastest non-Sport Explorer.

For the first time, the 2013 F-Series Super Duty will also be available with a truck-specific version of SYNC with MyFord Touch, offering tactile button controls and large rotating knobs to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves

Ford F-Series Super Duty customers demand a truck with toughness and capability, yet they still appreciate the amenities that make their driving experience more enjoyable. The 2013 F-Series Super Duty offers both, with a first-ever Platinum series model and the addition of SYNC® with MyFord Touch®.

“The F-Series Super Duty Platinum is the latest expression of Built Ford Tough truck luxury,” said Brian Rathsburg, F-Series Super Duty Marketing manager. “It has a distinct appearance and a long list of features to deliver a superior experience. Along with that, it has all of the capability F-Series trucks are famous for.”

Building on the success of the F-150 Platinum light-duty series that debuted in 2009, the F-Series Super Duty Platinum offers customers the ultimate in truck luxury.

Ford pioneered the high-end luxury truck segment in 1999 when it introduced the special-edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150. In 2003 the first King Ranch Super Duty arrived, followed by the 2004 Harley-Davidson Super Duty. Today, Ford sells a rich mix of high-end Lariat and King Ranch Super Duty models; the new Platinum will further meet the growing luxury needs of customers and dealers.

Available only in the Super Duty crew cab, it can be ordered as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 pickup and with the Ford-designed and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel engine or the 6.2-liter V8 gas engine.

The Platinum series makes a bold statement with a grille that features a satin chrome surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside. The updated grille is enhanced by a monochromatic bumper and chrome tow hooks.

The exterior of the Super Duty Platinum is lavished in chrome, including the door handles, mirror caps, running boards and exhaust tip. The boxside on both sides of the truck sports the “Platinum” name in chrome letters and the tailgate is trimmed with a satin chrome applique, similar to the one used on the F-150 Platinum. Twenty-inch polished-aluminum wheels with painted black inserts round out the stunning exterior design of the Super Duty Platinum.

The interior showcases luxury in the form of unique wood grain appliques. The steering wheel is heated and leather-wrapped, with genuine wood accents. The instrument panel, center stack and door trims are wrapped in premium wood grain. A new storage area on top of the dash includes two USB ports, audio-video connections, SD card slot and a 12-volt charging port for cell phones and other digital devices.

The driver’s seat has 10-way power-adjustable seating and both captain’s chairs are upholstered with softer, premium leather, which is also used on the armrests and console. Other evidence of fine craftsmanship includes the seats and floor mats, which feature the embroidered “Platinum” logo.

Other standard features include:

SYNC with MyFord Touch

Navigation System

Power-adjustable pedals

Rear view camera

Remote Start System

Universal garage door opener

Power-telescoping mirrors

Super Duty Platinum is available in Ruby Red, Kodiak Brown, Tuxedo Black, Ingot Silver and White Platinum. Interior color offerings include Pecan and Midnight Black. Another new exterior color, Blue Jean Metallic, will be available for Super Duty models other than Platinum.

Working harder and smarter

Unlike the past when a truck was often little more than a spartan work vehicle, today’s truck customers won’t compromise, and they expect capability, efficiency and refinement. The 2013 F-Series Super Duty eliminates any thought of compromise.

Standard Ford SYNC brings award-winning voice-controlled connectivity into the cab of the most capable heavy-duty trucks available. With SYNC, Super Duty drivers can connect compatible mobile phones and media players via Bluetooth® or USB to make calls and play back music using voice control. In addition, drivers will get access to Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist®, both no-charge lifetime features, and SYNC Services including traffic alerts, business search and more – all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The 2013 F-Series Super Duty builds on the foundation of SYNC with MyFord Touch, which is available for the first time. A new 8-inch, high-resolution touch screen display gives drivers easy access to phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features along with a dramatically expanded voice control vocabulary.

The 8-inch display screen also provides a large, clear view behind the truck when in reverse to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up conventional trailers with the truck’s hitch.

Unique to Ford F-Series, designers have optimized the physical interface for MyFord Touch to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack. For video of MyFord Touch in Super Duty, clickhere.

The latest example of F-Series leadership in truck design, innovation and technology can be found in the 2013 Super Duty Platinum, available later this year.

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. marketing chief Jim Farley has a busy year ahead, with the launch of major products such as the Ford Escape and the revamp of the luxury Lincoln brand. And as the new Ford Fusion was debuting at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the new Ford EcoSport, a compact SUV for developing markets, was unveiled in New Delhi. Both will go on sale later this year.

The company is accelerating its plan to make global products instead of producing different cars for each market, Farley said Wednesday at the Automotive News World Congress, an industry conference held during the auto show in Detroit. Farley says 85 percent of Ford’s products will be built on just nine basic platforms by 2013. That’s a year earlier than its original plan. It’s also a major change from five years ago, when just 29 percent of Ford’s volume was built on shared platforms.

In North America, Farley is also tasked with reinventing the Lincoln brand, which was the top luxury brand in the U.S. 15 years ago but has fallen to last place after years of neglect. Ford debuted the new Lincoln MKZ midsize sedan at the auto show, and will try to create a new image for Lincoln with advertising and spruced-up dealerships. It’s a challenge Farley relishes.

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 14, 2011 – Fans of the popular mobile and online social game, “Words With Friends,” will be able to participate in a bigger version of the game on Tuesday, Nov. 15. Actress Jenny McCarthy will compete against the entire country in the world’s largest Words With Friends game, and in the process reveal the all-new 2013 Ford Escape.

Ford and Zynga, the world’s largest social game developer, are collaborating to reveal the all-new Escape in a novel integration of social platforms and mobile gaming. The use of mobile devices has grown, with nearly 33 percent of Americans owning smartphones and one out of three mobile phone users playing mobile games on their devices.

“By revealing the new Escape through a popular social game like Words With Friends, Ford is able to expand its reach beyond traditional social channels to mobile platforms that engage a broader audience,” said Matt VanDyke, director, U.S. Marketing Communications for Ford. “This will be the first of a series of social gaming initiatives that are integrated into the launch of the Escape next year.”